Diabetes & Diabetic Foot – An Overview!

Diabetes can be a life-threatening condition if you do not keep blood glucose levels in control. Suffering from diabetes for a prolonged period can lead to a number of associated diseases in different parts of the body. Diabetic foot is one such condition that diabetes patients suffer from in some instances.

What is diabetic foot?

Diabetes causes degeneration of the nerves in the legs. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of diabetic foot. If diabetes adversely affects the blood vessels in your leg, it is also a form of the diabetic foot, known as peripheral vascular disease.

Here is a look at both these forms of diabetic foot in detail-

• Diabetic neuropathy – People who have been suffering from high diabetes for a long time will undergo nerve damage. This nerve damage results in loss of sensation in the leg. Therefore, people suffering from diabetic neuropathy will not be able to feel cuts and bruises on the affected leg.

• Peripheral vascular disease – The second form of diabetic foot is a condition that blocks the blood flow to the extremities of the body, such as the hands and feet. Reduction in the blood flow causes pain, swelling and delay in healing wounds.

Symptoms of diabetic foot:

Here is a look at some of the common symptoms associated with diabetic foot-

• Loss of sensation

• Tingling sensation

• Skin discolouration

• Changes in skin temperature

• Blisters and other wounds

• Deformed foot appearance

• Red Streaks

If you suffer from an ulcer because of the diabetic foot condition, you may also experience the following symptoms-

• Fever

• Very high blood sugar

• Chills

• Shock

• Redness

• Shaking

Treatment for Diabetic Foot:

The diabetic foot can be treated both non-surgically and surgically. Initially, doctors will try to take advantage of the non-surgical methods of treatment. Here is a look at a few common ways to treat diabetic foot with Ayurveda

Diabetes and non-healing wounds

 Diabetes affects blood circulation and causes blood to move slowly. Thus, wounds heal slowly or do not heal at all. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels might harm the local nerves and numb the area’s senses. As a result, individuals with diabetes who suffer injuries to their feet may not be aware of the harm done. It may also affect individuals’ collagen production, healing hormones, and weaken the skin barrier.

Ayurveda terms this condition as ‘Madhumehajanya Vruna’. Amputation of the foot can be avoided, and sugar levels can be managed with skin that has clearly healed. Through Antaha-Parimarjana (internal drugs) and Bahir-Parimarjana (external applications) Chikitsa, Diabetic wounds can be healed. This involves therapies like Swedana, Lepa, Upanaha, Abhyanga, Shodhana, Seevana, etc.

Diabetic ulcers are caused by poor circulation, hyperglycemia, nerve damage, and wounded feet. The causes of diabetic foot ulcers are elaborated below.

Poor blood circulation is a kind of vascular illness in which blood does not flow adequately to your feet. Poor circulation might also make ulcer healing more difficult.

High glucose levels can impede the healing of an infected foot ulcer, so blood sugar control is essential. People with type 2 diabetes and other illnesses sometimes have a more difficult time fending off ulcer infections.

Nerve injury is a long-term impact that might cause numbness in your feet. Nerve damage can cause tingling and discomfort. Damage to the nerves diminishes sensitivity to foot pain and results in painless sores that can lead to ulcers.

 Ulcers are distinguished by drainage from the afflicted region and, occasionally, a visible bulge that is not necessarily unpleasant.